Dr. Marina AlcoverAcademic director focused on measurable results and operational excellence in maritime education. Integrates IMO/STCW regulations and ISO 21001/9001 f
Diploma · 800 h · 8 modules
Diploma in Loading and Unloading Goods
This course provides you with the essential skills to optimize efficiency and safety in logistics management. Learn about customs regulations, types of cargo (bulk, containerized, hazardous), handling equipment (cranes…
Duration800 h
FormatOnline
Starts14 December
Places20 / 20
Prior knowledge
Prior Knowledge Assessment
These are the skills this programme builds. Tick the ones you already have and we will tell you which part of the syllabus is really for you.
Your profile
Tick what you already know to see your result.
Programme overview
What is the Diploma in Loading and Unloading Goods?
The Diploma in Loading and Unloading Goods
This course provides you with the essential skills to optimize efficiency and safety in logistics management. Learn about customs regulations, types of cargo (bulk, containerized, hazardous), handling equipment (cranes, forklifts), and stowage and unstowage procedures. Master the techniques to minimize risks, ensure the integrity of the goods, and reduce operating times.
Differential Advantages
- Practical Simulations: Loading and unloading planning exercises in different scenarios.
- Risk Management: Identification, assessment, and mitigation of hazards in port and land operations.
- Process Optimization: Strategies for continuous improvement and reduction of logistics costs.
- Regulatory Compliance: Up-to-date knowledge of national and international regulations.
- Networking: Connection with industry professionals and logistics and transportation experts.
Programme type
Diploma
Study mode
Online
Duration
800 hours
Modules
8
Start date
27-11-2026
Programme highlights
- Optimize your operations: Master the most efficient techniques for loading and unloading goods, reducing time and costs.
- Safety and regulations: Learn to apply industrial safety standards and the proper handling of hazardous materials.
- Logistics management: Integrate loading and unloading processes into the supply and distribution chain, maximizing profitability.
- Equipment and technologies: Familiarize yourself with the operation and maintenance of cranes, forklifts, and automated systems.
- Professional certification: Obtain a recognized diploma that validates your skills in cargo management and Download.
- Boost your career and become an expert in modern logistics.
Curriculum
Programme Structure
The programme is structured in 8 modules, listed below in order of study.
01
Principles of stability, structural strength and load planning
- Principles of transverse and longitudinal stability of the ship applied to loading and unloading operations
- Calculation and interpretation of hydrostatic curves, draught table and effects of free surface in tanks
- Structural stresses on the ship beam: bending moments and shear forces during the Stowage
- Preparation and approval of the Load Plan (Stowage Plan) and Simultaneous Deslathering/Dialing Sequence
- Use of loading computers and operational stability calculation software
- Weight distribution criteria for preventing load concentration in decks and warehouses
- Pre-load inspections: state of warehouses, hatches, registration covers and sealing tests (Ultrasonic Testing)
- Calculation of frets and seat
02
Operations in container ships and general cargo
- Lashing methods, locking and securing of containers on board according to the Cargo Holding Manual (CSM)
- Berry Planning (Bay Plans), Baplie Codes and Weight Management in Deck Container Pillars
- Handling and storage of special containers: refrigerated (reefers), open top, flat rack and tanks
- Stowage and lashing of general cargo, mass loads, steel products (steel coils) and wood in bales
- Safety requirements for heavy machinery, large tonnage parts and non-standardised loading projects (Project Cargo)
- Lashing Equipment Inspection: Pineapples (Twistlocks), Lashing Bars, Tensioners and their Fatigue Discard Rate
- Prevention of container losses at sea: Dynamic forces of slaying, balance and parametric resonance
- Container Stowage Planes
03
Solid bulk handling and IMSBC code
- Application of the International Maritime Code of Bulk Solid Cargo (IMSBC Code) and Classification of Groups A, B and C
- Liquefaction loads (group A): Transportable moisture limit (TML) and moisture content (MC) in mineral fines
- Chemical Hazard Loads (Group B): Emission of toxic, flammable gases or reactivity and displacement of oxygen
- Loading Methods: Conveyor Belt, Continuous Loaders (Shiploaders) and Grip Spoons (Grabs)
- Load levelling procedures (trimming) to prevent shifts and optimise stability
- Loading and unloading of coal, grain, iron ore and fertilizers - fire precautions and dust explosion
- Cleaning, washing and degassing operations of warehouses between changes of grain or mineral type
- Solid Bulk Cargo Statement
04
Liquid cargo loading and unloading operations (tank and tankers)
- Oil & Product Tankers Operations: Pipe Systems, Manifolds and Cargo Pumps
- Inert gas systems (IGS): production, distribution and control of the percentage of oxygen in tanks during discharge
- Tank washing procedures with crude oil washing - COW and water washing (water washing)
- Chemical Operations: CIQ/IBC Code, Product Compatibility, Reactivity and Tank Drying (Stripping)
- Operations in Metane and Gas Vessels (LNG / LPG): Cooling (Cool-down), Inertization and Management of Boil-Off Gas (BOG)
- Cargo transfer operations between ships on the high seas (Ship-to-Ship - STS): defences, hoses and safety protocols
- Load sampling, loss control (Ullage / Innage), Calculation of Volumes and Issuance of Quantity Certificates (VEF)
- Ballast operations during loading
05
Dangerous cargo and IMDG code in port operations
- Structure and classification of dangerous goods according to the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
- Rules of segregation and separation between classes of dangerous cargoes on board and in port storage areas
- Marking, labelling and labelling of cargo transport units (CTUs) and intermediate packaging (IBC/GRG)
- Required Documentation: Declaration of Dangerous Goods (Dangerous Goods Declaration) and Cargo Manifesto
- Emergency plans for ships carrying dangerous goods (MFAG guide and EMS tabs)
- Inspection of Dangerous Goods by the Port State Authorities (PSC) and Maritime Terminals
- Temporary storage in port yards: zoning, spill containment and fire protection
- Segregation of dangerous goods
06
Stowage machinery, cranes and port handling equipment
- Operation and limits of safe work (SWL) of on-board cranes (Ship’s Cranes/Derricks) and manoeuvreing winches
- Ground equipment: Gantry cranes (Gantry / Ship-to-Shore - STS), port mobile cranes (MHC) and stackers (reach stackers)
- Inspection and certification of hoisting rigs: strobes, chains, shackles, rockers and hooks according to ISO/ILO standard
- Calculation of lifting stresses, centre of gravity in complex loads and feather manoeuvreing angles
- Roll-On/Roll-Off (RO-RO) and Pure Car Carriers (PCC): Access ramps, tractor heads and vehicle lashing
- Preventive maintenance, periodic loading tests and rigging register
- Port Crane Automation, Remote Control and Load Balancing Mitigation Systems (Anti-Sway Systems)
- Crane and tackle inspection
07
Occupational safety, health and hygiene in dock and warehouse operations
- ILO regulatory framework on safety and hygiene in port works (Recommendation 160 and ILO Code of Practice)
- Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (IPERC) in loading and unloading tasks
- Hazards in confined spaces: Atmosphere sampling, mandatory ventilation, entry permits and equipment ERA
- Specific personal protective equipment (EPI/EPP) for stevedores and Deck personnel in heavy operations
- Prevention of falls at different levels, entrapment in warehouses and windings by heavy machinery in terminals
- Port Emergency Response Plan: Sea Cargo Falls, Fires, Spills and First Aid
- Training, Certification of Competences and Culture of Safety (Safety First) in Stowage Crews
- Prevention of falls and entrapments
08
Performance Indicators, Customs Documentation and Capstone Project
- Operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Performance by hand/crane (Gangs/Hook Hours), Dwell Time and Berth Productivity
- Cargo Commercial Documentation: Bill of Lading - B/L, Officer Receipts (Mate's Receipt) and Protest Letters
- Cargo breakdown management: Damage Reports, sea protests and participation of independent inspectors (P&I Surveyors)
- Ship-port interface: Coordination between the captain, the first officer (office officer), Stowage foreman and the superintendent
- Customs management and control of security seals/seals (ISO 17712) in the landing of goods
- Real-time tracking technologies: RFID labels, containerized IoT sensors and inventory digitization
- Presentation of the Capstone Project
- Capstone Project: Complete Stowage Plan, Stability Calculation, Load/Unload Sequence, and Lashing/Security Plan for a Combo Loaded Journey
Workload
Study Time and Workload
800 hours of study, online and at your own pace. Move the slider to the hours a week you can really put in.
Hours a week8
Weeks to finish—
You finish around—
Who it is for
Logistics and transportation professionals seeking to optimize loading and unloading management, reducing time and costs.Warehouse supervisors and operations personnel who need to deepen their knowledge of safety regulations, equipment handling, and process standardization.Purchasing and distribution managers who need a comprehensive view of the supply chain to improve efficiency in receiving
Faculty
Academic direction and faculty
The teaching team at Navalis: working professionals who deliver and oversee the institute's programmes.
Eng. Diego Cifuentes
Cap. Javier Abaroa (MCA)
Dr. Pau Ferrer
Dr. Nuria Llobregat
Eng. Javier Bañuls
Eng. Sofía Marquina
Eng. Tomás Riera
Verified reviews
Student Reviews
Reviews collected and verified by Opynio, not written by us.
Outcomes
Learning Outcomes
- 01Optimize logistics management
- 02Mastering loading and unloading techniques
- 03Guarantee the integrity of the merchandise
- 04Comply with safety and hygiene regulations
- 05Efficiently operate loading and unloading machinery
- 06Effectively coordinate work teams
Careers
Career Opportunities
01Warehouse Worker: Performing basic loading and unloading tasks, handling tools and equipment.
02Forklift Operator: Safely and efficiently operating forklifts for loading, unloading, and transporting goods.
03Stevedower: Loading and unloading goods onto ships, trucks, and other means of transport, optimizing space and ensuring load stability.
04Crane Operator: Operating cranes for lifting and moving heavy loads in warehouses, ports, and terminals.
05Order Picker: Preparing orders for shipment, verifying the accuracy of the goods and their correct packaging.
06Goods Sorter: Sorting and organizing goods according to their type, destination, or characteristics, facilitating their subsequent management.
07Logistics Assistant: Support in the logistics management of warehouses and terminals, stock control, documentation, and shipment organization.
08Loading and Unloading Supervisor (Skills Development): Supervision and coordination of loading and unloading teams, process optimization, and compliance with safety regulations.
09```
Questions
Entry Requirements
To provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform loading and unloading operations of goods safely, efficiently and in compliance with current regulations.
Yes. The itinerary includes ECDIS/Radar-ARPA/BRM with harbor, ocean, fog, storm, and SAR scenarios.
Online with live sessions; hybrid option for simulator/practical placements through agreements.
Safe and efficient operation of equipment such as forklifts, pallet trucks, cranes and other material handling equipment.
Recommended functional SMCP. We offer support materials for standard phraseology.
Yes, with a relevant degree or experience in maritime/port operations. The admissions interview will confirm suitability.
Optional (3–6 months) through Companies & Collaborations and the Alumni Network.
Simulator practice (rubrics), defeat plans, SOPs, checklists, micro-tests and applied TFM.
A degree from Navalis Magna Institute + operational portfolio (tracks, SOPs, reports and KPIs) useful for audits and employment.
Online admissions
Admissions Process
No waiting for a phone call. If your documents are complete, you can pay in the same session.
Entry requirements
Academic/Professional Profile:Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO) or equivalent; or demonstrable work experience in the logistics, transport, or warehousing sector.Basic Knowledge:Reading and writing comprehension of Spanish; Basic arithmetic skills.Physical Aptitudes:Ability to perform tasks requiring physical effort, such as lifting and carrying objects.Documentation:National Identity Document (DNI/NIE), Curriculum Vitae (optional), academic certificate (if applicable).Desirable Requirements:Forklift operator's license (optional), occupational risk preventio
Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave your details and admissions will write back. If you already know this is the one, go straight to the application and pay in the same session.